As advocates for all Wisconsinites as we age, we prefer to look at the Joint Finance Committee’s decision to remove Medicaid expansion from the proposed 2019-21 budget as simply the first mile of a marathon. The race has started, but it's far, far from over.

We are inviting all AARP members and anyone else from the general public to join us at any or all of the state’s four state budget hearings this month in Janesville, Oak Creek, River Falls and Green Bay. At each of these hearings we will have an AARP Wisconsin volunteer advocate testify on a specific issue that we would like to see addressed in the state’s 2019-2021 state budget.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has introduced his executive budget and AARP Wisconsin was delighted to see it included the acceptance of Medicaid Expansion, something we have advocated for over the last several budget sessions. AARP WI believes accepting Medicaid Expansion will provide coverage for more people, make Wisconsin healthier, and provide additional funding for the Medicaid programs that support health care for older adults, fund senior programs, and help older Wisconsinites age in their homes and their communities. On March 21, we hosted a tele town hall with Governor Evers so he could answer questions from our members about Medicaid Expansion and the programs it supports. We appreciate him joining us on this important issue.

We often refer to family caregivers as Wisconsin’s unsung heroes, flying under the radar for little or no money while providing vital care that allows their loved ones to continue living in their homes and communities as long as possible.

Two elections are coming up in Wisconsin this year – a primary election on Tuesday, August 14 th and a general election on Tuesday, November 6 th. AARP WI recognizes that there are many issues important to Wisconsinites on the line, and we want you to be prepared to vote. We are educating and mobilizing voters across Wisconsin for what is sure to be a critical election. Check out some great resources on state and federal issues below, mark your calendars for the August and November elections, and be sure to be the difference and vote.